http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/310470/proposed-law-boost-health-research-fund Proposed law to boost health research fund By MELODY M. AGUIBA March 20, 2011, 2:10pm MANILA, Philippines - The proposed Philippine National Health Research Fund (PNHRF) is anticipated to boost the country's fund for drug development efforts and other health-related researches, which now stands at only P100 million. A priority bill under the Aquino administration, the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) under Senate Bill 2029 was introduced by Sen.Edgardo Angara. Under the bill, the fund can be increased through various means. The three major sources are a 10 percent allocation of the allowable administrative expense of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.; three percent annual revenue collection of the National Statistics Office from certificate issuances; and 10 percent of total fees collected by the Professional Regulation Commission from the issuance and renewal of all professional licences in the health profession. Other fund sources are P10 for every motor vehicle transaction at the Land Transportation Office; One percent of total revenues generated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resoruces's fines and penalties collected under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act; budget allocations from the General Appropriations Act; and donations and grants from the private sector. At present, the entire health research sector including those of three agencies – Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, and Commission on Higher Education – has total funding of P100 million, according to Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Research Information Chief Merlita M. Opena. The PCHRD, which currently recommends the thrust of health research in the country, will be tasked to develop a National Unified Health Research Agenda for the proper use of the PNHRF. The PCHRD has been aggressively infusing fund for drug research especially for drugs that tap indigenous natural ingredients that can make drugs cheaper for most Filipinos. The fund commits to financing biomedical researches, clinical trials, and other health services in line with international standards on health research and ethics. The system will also put in place an technical working group to ensure that the country's research direction is in line with the six building blocks set by the World Health Organization for a state to achieve universal health care. The building blocks are efficient and accessible health services; availability of well-trained staff, health information system that generates useful data on health determinants and performance; equitable access to medicines, vaccines, and medical technologies; adequate and affordable health financing system; and leadership that guarantees effective oversight, regulation, and accountability. The creation of the PNHRS will be in line with global trends where independent countries are putting investments into localizing solutions for their health care. It will explore areas where the country can find opportunities in the health care system and also accelerate discovery of treatment for illnesses prevailing in the country and nearby Southeast Asian nations, including swine flu and bird flu.
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